Ken Callander Said Com has class edge at Rosehill

SAID Com, almost a member of racing's exclusive Group 1 winners club, looks beautifully placed against good, but not top class, rivals in the Jackie McIlrick Handicap, 1400m, at Rosehill today.

Said Com, trained by Chris Waller, has not run for 17 weeks, but he goes super first-up from a spell and he moved in great style, although under restraint, when ridden by Corey Brown in a recent trial.

Last season Said Com almost hit the headlines when he was beaten in a photo by Mosheen in the Group 1 Randwick Guineas and he has other good form to back him up. With the handicapper allotting him 58.5kg, Waller has decided to use stable apprentice Alysha Collett on Said Com and utilise her 2kg claim.

Comment: El Sasso has trialled twice and he hit the line impressively in his January 22 win at Rosehill. He will be hard to beat, but won't find this easy as Twilight Royale, a Warwick Farm winner, has gone well in both her race starts and Aussies Love Sport finished an excellent second at Canterbury at his only run. Parfuri is also a city trial winner.

Comment: If there is a move for Ninth Legion watch out. His recent trial was not flash, but in the spring he competed well in races against Pierro, All Too Hard and the like. Taxmeifyoucan caught the eye first-up although well beaten and Chiaramonte covered ground when second to Centrepet, who is a big hope again. Almighty Charge ran second last week at Warwick Farm and is honest.

Comment: Royal Descent has looked good winning her only two starts and her wide alley looks her only problem. Her stablemate Hoybell, resuming, has to be respected with a win and a dead heat in two runs. Unimpeachable looked good in a strong Kembla (metropolitan) win and is on the up and the Waterhouse pair, Sherocksmyworld and Diamond Drille, round out the chances.

Comment: Disciple has a win and a close second on the board in his last two runs, but he also missed a run through a slight setback. He should go well, but is short odds. Zedlion's close second to War Charm at Warwick Farm last week was good and Burbero has won five in a row.

Comment: Said Com has been Group 1-placed. His recent trial was good and he is the one to beat. His stablemate Riva De Lago showed a return to form last start and is a chance again and Testarhythm is racing with zip and will be up on the pace and out of trouble.

Comment: A lack of a pace is a problem. Kukri, chasing a winning hat-trick, could set the speed and be hard to run down with Thebigiam, Sindarin and Angola likely to go forward. The Waller trio, Thubiaan, Secessio and Marden, are well placed and definite winning chances with the consistent Marden good value. Sailor's Farewell, on trial at the distance, is not out of it.

Comment: She's Clean looked good running down Princess Layla two weeks ago and this field is no stronger. Matignon ran well at Warwick Farm last week and should give the favourite a run for her money. Natch Catch, a last-start winner at this course, should race prominently with Geemeup and Alesteem up front.

Comment: A lot of speed and Ichihara's inside draw and 3kg allowance should be big helps. Better Than Ready won the Brian Crowley Stakes at Randwick in the spring and is classy, but he has plenty of weight. Raceway has trialled well since being gelded and is a great show and I'm Cool has sound Queensland form to back him up. Also consider Kirinata, Whitlam and California Storm.

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